This picture entitled “Norway Northern Lights” is simply beautiful. Although I have seen many pictures of northern lights, this is the first one that I can remember as having so much of an emphasis on the color red ( or pink, if you prefer ). Yet, for all its “redness”, what impressed me the absolute most, was those patches of sparkling white against the reflection of the red lights in the snow. I just couldn’t help but think that they are reminiscent of what Christians are supposed to be in this world.
The Bible says...
Matthew 5 ( World English Bible )
1 Seeing the multitudes, he went up onto the mountain. When he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 He opened his mouth and taught them, saying,
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.
10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.
14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can’t be hidden.
15 Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.
16 Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Why do those points of light in the snow remind me of Christians? Well, because if the qualities that Jesus mentions about those who would be HIS disciples genuinely exist, then to that extent God dwells in them. These qualities simply cannot exist by themselves, they must be shared. Simply put, disciples are the light of God in this world and must shine! Today, I ask only one question: Are you shining in such a way as that your life glorifies God? All I ask is that you just think about it- your conclusion may surprise you!
